As auto parts go, spark plugs can frequently be overlooked. Yes, they’re vitally important, but they’re small and inexpensive, so they sometimes get short-shrift. However, when they act up or become ineffective, it’s impossible to ignore. So let’s get to know our spark plugs a little better, shall we?
What Is a Spark Plug, and What Does it Do?
Shown above and at right, the spark plug is the mighty mite of automotive performance. All gas-powered vehicles rely on the ignition of a gas/air mixture to cause the combustion that starts and powers the car, and this ignition is performed between the two electrodes at the end of the spark plug. The literal “spark” produced allows the engine to put the pistons in motion, and now your car is up and running.
As with all auto parts, however, a spark plug may fail over time. This failing generally occurs in one of two ways: either there will be a buildup of fuel deposit on the tip of the spark plug, or the repeated use of the plug will make the distance between the two electrodes become too vast for the ignition to be effective.
So, knowing all of this, how can you know if you need new plugs?
How to Know if You Need to Change Your Spark Plugs
1) Your car has trouble starting. Since spark plugs are so vital to the ignition process, your car will go nowhere if the spark isn’t produced to get the car running. While drivers will often blame a battery or low fuel level for a car that starts poorly, a spark plug can just as easily be the culprit.
2) Your car has a rough idle. A car that is idling properly will be smooth with a constant sound, along with an rpm level of around 1,000. However, if spark plugs aren’t firing properly, your car will produce a rougher sound and will be prone to vibrating.
3) Your engine will misfire. If you’ve ever noticed that your car suffers a halt or momentary hesitation while driving, it may well be because one or more of your spark plugs isn’t performing as it should. A worn spark plug won’t cause its cylinders to fire as intended, accounting for the delay in performance.
4) Your engine surges. Sometimes, a faulty spark plug will draw in more air than normal when trying to ignite. This will cause your car to lunge forward, then slow down quickly. Not only does this indicate a worn plug, but can also be very dangerous in traffic.
5) Your fuel economy suffers. Because a faulty spark plug doesn’t burn fuel properly, up to 30% of fuel can be wasted during what is known as incomplete combustion.
6) Your acceleration suffers. If your car is sluggish off the line and feels as though it isn’t taking off from the line as it should, it might be because it isn’t being fed properly. As with the fuel economy mentioned above, this can be easily fixed with new spark plugs.
Overall, the importance of fully functioning spark plugs can’t be exaggerated. If you’ve experienced the signs described above or haven’t changed your spark plugs recently, we encourage you to visit our service department at Avondale Nissan today!
